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Former New Jersey Gov. Thomas Kean, a Republican who has largely avoided politics for years, has endorsed Jack Ciattarelli for governor, saying New Jersey “needs a change” and describing the GOP nominee as a “compassionate” and “decent” leader he’s known for decades.
Kean served as New Jersey’s 48th governor from 1982 to 1990 and came from a family that produced generations of American political leaders, including William Livingston, the state’s first constitutional governor, according to the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.
Kean announced his endorsement Monday on social media, urging voters to back Ciattarelli in Tuesday’s election.
“I haven’t been involved in partisan politics for a number of years, but this year is different,” Kean said in a video shared by Ciattarelli on X. “New Jersey needs a change and needs a change badly. Jack Ciattarelli is that change.”
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In the video, Kean praised Ciattarelli’s character and work ethic.
“We’ve got a lot to do in New Jersey,” he continued. “I’ve known Jack for 25 years. He’s compassionate, he’s decent, he works hard, and he’d be a great Governor for New Jersey.”
The GOP nominee has narrowed the gap with Democratic rival Rep. Mikie Sherrill in a highly competitive race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy.
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Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican nominee for governor in New Jersey, speaks to supporters at a diner in Saddle Brook, N.J. on Oct. 15, 2025. (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
In his post Monday, Ciattarelli said Kean set the standard for effective leadership.
“Now it’s our turn to bring that kind of government back,” he said. “Let’s get out and vote for real change, real results, and a brighter future for New Jersey.”
Before becoming governor, Kean served in the…
